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Project Breathe saves pets during emergencies

Invisible Fence donates 18 kits to Mercy EMS
Posted at 1:29 PM, Oct 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-10 13:29:52-04

The Mercy EMS fleet now has 18 pet resuscitation masks first responders can use to help a dog or cat in the case of an emergency.

Invisible Fence of Buffalo Niagara donated the kits as part of the company's "Project Breathe" campaign. They contain three different sized oxygen masks that fit over the animal's snout, a leash to keep the animal in place, and an instruction manual.

The kits are most often used in the case of a house fire, when first responders find an animal that has inhaled smoke.

"It's tragic enough, said Bill Stroka, Owner of Invisible Fence. "People run out of the house; usually pets run and hide. So when they are brought out as a family member they could be resuscitated and returned to their family."

So far, Invisible Fence has donated more than 18,700 kits nationwide, and more than 100 here in Western New York.

All fire departments are eligible for a kit. You can request one here.